Acer AL1916W Ab

We tested Acer’s AL1916W Asd model for our earlier review. Acer uses the letter "d" to denote the DVI interface. Obviously, the AL1916W Ab lacks it. Let’s see if it is the only difference between the two models.

These specs are perfectly typical of most 19-inch widescreen monitors. The response time of 5 milliseconds indicates a TN matrix without Response Time Compensation. Otherwise, this parameter would be 2 or 4 milliseconds. The viewing angles are very modest but only because they are measured for a contrast ratio of 10:1. As you know from our reviews, the viewing angles of TN matrixes are usually measured using a relaxed method (with a reduction of the contrast ratio to 5:1) producing prettier numbers in the specs.

The monitor follows the traditional design style of the company’s inexpensive models. It has a modest matte plastic case standing on a simple plastic base. The sample I dealt with was black (indicated by the letter b in the model name) but there exists a silvery version called AL1916W As. Well, I think the black version looks better, the color concealing the simplicity and inexpensiveness of the exterior design to some extent. The AL1916W A is going to look good in an office environment but most users may want to prefer more elegant models for home use.

The square plastic stand allows you to tilt the screen as necessary. It can be replaced with a VESA-compatible mount using the holes in the back panel of the case.

The monitor offers a minimum of connectors: an analog D-Sub and a connector of the integrated power adapter. You will hardly have problems with signal quality on modern graphics cards but the digital interface is handier when it comes to connecting and setting the monitor up. That’s why I don’t think it’s right on the manufacturer’s side to save on it.

The control buttons are placed on the protrusion below the front panel, the Power button differing from the others with its size and shape – it is highlighted with a soft green LED at work. Quick access is provided to the auto-adjustment feature and to switching between the factory-set modes. These modes are referred to as Empowering Technology. I will discuss them later. There is one peculiarity about using these modes: when you switch from one to another, the automatic adjustment procedure is done. That’s not a big nuisance, though.

The menu is typical for monitors of this brand. It is not very pretty and does not offer any special conveniences, but it does its job well enough.